Exploiting dispersion of higher-order-modes using M-type fiber for application in mid-infrared supercontinuum...

Area of Science:

• Optical Fiber Technology
• Nonlinear Optics
• Infrared Photonics

Background:

• M-type fibers exhibit unique mode confinement properties, with higher-order modes confined to the core and lower-order modes to a surrounding ring.
• Conventional mid-infrared supercontinuum sources often require exotic pump lasers due to the high zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) of standard chalcogenide and ZBLAN fibers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of M-type fibers for simplifying mid-infrared supercontinuum generation.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using established pump laser technology for high-power mid-infrared applications.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis and simulation of mode propagation in M-type chalcogenide and ZBLAN fibers.
• Characterization of zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) for core-confined higher-order modes (e.g., LP02).

Main Results:

• M-type fibers allow the lower ZDW of core-confined higher-order modes (LP02) to be tuned to the 2-3 µm range, near 1.55 µm.
• These fibers maintain a large core diameter, supporting high average power operation.

Conclusions:

• M-type fibers offer a pathway to high-power mid-infrared supercontinuum sources without the need for specialized pump lasers.
• This advancement facilitates the use of readily available pump laser technology in future mid-infrared photonic systems.